The Societal Impacts of Technology

About this book

Nanotechnology, the convergence of science and engineering that creates a highly interdisciplinary field focused on exploiting the unique properties of matter at the nanometer (one billionth of a meter) scale, may also create effects, both positive and negative, on the larger social environment-from healthcare and pollution to education and national defense. This report reviews the potential societal impacts of nanotechnology, with the goal of identifying areas that warrant further study.